The Intelligence from The Economist
Going non-nuclear: East Asia’s changing families
Aug 28, 2023
Noah Snyder, Tokyo Bureau Chief for The Economist and expert on East Asian demographics, discusses the shifting family structures in East Asia. He highlights the rise of premarital cohabitation, single parenthood, and two-income households, along with the societal implications of these changes. Noah also shares personal stories from residents, examining how traditional roles are being redefined. Additionally, the global impact of hip-hop and its evolution is explored, showcasing its cultural significance and empowerment for marginalized voices.
29:31
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The traditional nuclear family structure is changing in East Asia, with cohabitation before marriage becoming more accepted and leading to a decline in marriages and a redefining of what constitutes a family.
- Hip hop, originating as a genre in the Bronx 50 years ago, has become a global cultural force, transforming music, fashion, language, and even politics, with diverse themes and artists from around the world contributing to its growth and development.
Deep dives
Changing Dynamics of Family Structure in East Asia
The traditional nuclear family structure is losing its hold in East Asia, with cohabitation before formal marriage becoming more acceptable. There is an increase in the number of single-person households, a decline in marriages, and a redefining of what constitutes a family. Economic precarity and a disconnect between the desired family structures and societal expectations are seen as reasons for people opting out of marriage and having children. These shifts in family dynamics are predicted to have significant demographic and economic implications, including a decline in population and share of global GDP in East Asian territories.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
